Rotary hydrocarbon-engine.



T. L. McCASKILL. ROTARY HYDROCARBQN ENGINE. APPLICATION FILED NIL! m, i916- Patented, Apr. 30 mm if OK I V arrm T. L-McCASKILL.

' ROTARY HYDROCARBON ENGINE.

' APPLICATION FILED JULY 14,1916.

Patented Apr, 30, 1918.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

T. L. McCASKILL.

ROTARY muses/meow ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY 1%1916. LQMAW lemma Apr, 30, 1918. V s SHEETS-SHEET 3 T. L. McCASKlLL.

ROTARY HYDROCARBON ENGINE.

APPLICATION FILED JULY I4. ms.

I QwumI-Im T. L. McCASKlLL.

ROTARY HYDROCARBON ENGINE, APPLICATION mm JULY 14.191s.'

rammed m. 30,1918.

SHEETS-SHEET 5- wdfmeog I Qwuawfo'a tica lly by webs. This is tor the purpose of causing a better circulation of the cooling mediunrthrough-the jackets. It will he noted, however, that the outer jacket 23 in the casing has only one web 29 at the bot tom thereof. This jacket is adapted to receive the cooling water through an inlet pipe 3%, and it will be noted that the water may circulate circnmferentially around the casing through the jacket 23 and be discharged through a discharge pipe also that the water will pass from this outer jacket into the jackets of both the heads and from the latter jackets to the jackets 28 just inside of the annular chamber 253.

N ear the top, the casing is formed with a bore 36 in which is adapted to be seated the rotary abutment 37 The axis of the rotary abutment extends transversely of the annular chamber Arranged axially with the bore 36 is a bore 38 formed in the head B and a similar bore 39 formed in the head C. The rotary abutment is provided with a pin or in 40 which is seated in the bore 39 and with a larger journal portion 41 which is seated in the bore 38. Thus the journal 41 and the pin 40 form means for rotativcly supporting the rotary abutment. The journal :1 is 'n'eventcd from moving longitudii'ially by an integrally formed cir 'cular flange 4-2 which is adapted to tit tightly. against the head B and the outer circumferential surface of which is fitted in the bore 36. Movement in the other diree tion longitiulinally is prevented by means oi a removable collar 43 which may be tastcned to the journal l1 by means of a set screw it. intermeiiliate of the flange 42 and the pin 40 the rotary abutment is of substantially semiiylindrical .itorm. It has the outer semi-cylindrical surface to and an in nor surface all which is curved on an are about. the axis of the casing as a center, and is adapted in one position to form a suriace flush with the inner surface of the annular chamber This same cylindrical portion of the rotary.abutment is formed. with a combustion chamber l7 which has a port 43 opening in he cylindrical surface 45. The rotary abutn'lent is adapted to be rocked so that the port 48 is placed in communication with a reservoir 49, presently to be described or with the amiular chamber shown in Fig. 2. it will be noted that a bridge wall 50 separates the reservoir l9 from the amiular chamber 25, and this wall is of sullicicnt width to seal the opening or port. -18. The eonilnistion chamber is provided with a spark plug 55] whereby a charge of explosive fuel in the said chamber may be fired, and the connections to the plug may be operated so that the charge will be fired while the opening 48 is sealed by the bridge wall 50 Arranged in the upper portion of the bore 36 is a plate 532 which fastened by means of bolts 53 to the casing. This plate has a web 5 1 centrally arranged so that its inner surface is concentric with the axis of the easiin;- and is adapted to form a continuation of the outer surface of the annular chzunber. At the end adjacent the head C this plate is formed with another web or liange which is of the outline shown in Fig. 4 and is adapted to form a stop limiting the oscillation ol the rotary abutment in one direction. The collar 43 is formed with a boss 56 in which is threaded an axially extending pin 57. This pin has a portion which carries a roller 59 held in position by a, nut 60, and a reduced portion .11 on which is mounted a sleeve 62 held in position by a nut (38. The roller 5.) is adapted to cooperate with a cam (34' and the sleeve 62 is adapted to have fastened thereto a spring 65, the other end of which is connected to a bearing E.

A hollow shaft 67 extends through the casing and adjacent, the head B oi? the easing carries the cam (i l which may be tastencd to the same by means of a key (38. The cam operates on the roller 59 and is for the pur 'iose ol moving the rotary abulment in one direction, the spring (35 being used to return the same. The outline ol the am is clearly shown in Figs. 1 and 2. When the roller is on the circular portion ($9 of the cam the combustion chamber of the. rotary abutment is in communieation with the annular chamber :25, as shown in, Fig. 2. \Vhen the roller is on the high portion 70 of the cam the combustion chamber of the rotary abutment is in connnunication with the reservoir 41). The extent of the circular portion and the high portion of the cam depends upon the relative angular location of the rotary abutment and the exhaust port. This exhaust port 71 is shown as being located adjacent to the rotary abutment. As viewed in Fig. 33 the direction of movement oi the piston is clockwise and measuring the angle in this direction the exhaust port may be located substantially from EMU to 300" from the, rotary abutment.

The tired charge of mixture is adapted to be liberated trom the combustion rhamher into the annular chamber and acts against the piston 26. The structure ol this piston viously explained, communicates with the combustion chamber of the rotary abutment at certain parts of the cycle of operation.

The combustion chamber at? in the rotary abutment is provided with means whereby the same may be scavenged just after the piston has opened up communication between the annular chamber and the exhaust- 71. This means consists of a plurality of small holes 107 arranged as clearly shown in Figs. 3 and 12. The cam 64 is formed with a portion 108 which permits the rotary abutment to be rocked into the position illllS? trat-ed in Fig. 8, wherein the openings 107 are placed in communication with the reservoir 49. Thus fresh compressed explosive mixture will pass through the openings 107 into the combustion chamber 17 and then into the annular chamber 25, thus clearing the combustion chamber of any ineombustible gases that may be left therein. The openings 107 are placed in communication with the reservoir 49 only momentarily.

In the operation of the engine the explosive mixture is drawn into and compressed by the compressor or pump and discharged therefrom into the reservoir 19. The combustion chamber of the rotary abutment is placed in communication with the said reservoir, thus taking a charge of explosive mixture; it, is then rotated by means of the spring so that it is momentarily sealed by the bridge wall 50 when it is exploded by a spark from the spark plug 51,- produced by contact made on a timer (not shown) at this point. Further rotation brings the combustion chamber in communication with the annular chamber, thus the fired charge which is under a very high pressure is liberated and acts against the piston to drive the same around in the annular chamber. \Vhen the rear edge of the piston has cleared the edge 109 of the exhaust opening, the gases will be permitted to pass out through the exhaust passage 71. As soon as thepressure is thus relieved in the annular chamber the cam portion 108 permits the rotary abutment to be rocked so that the openings 107 are brought into comi'nunication with the reservoir 49 and thus the chamber is scavenged of any dead gases therein. As the piston is driven around in the annular chamber it causes the rotor D to revolve. thereby driving the hollow shaft 07 which may be connected to any dcsireddtwice. As the rotor D is formed with pumping means it causes circulation of the cooling water in the manner previously described.

-ment.

The operation of the rotary abutment is timed With respect to the position of the piston in the annular chamber. Of course, when the piston is about to pass by the rotary abutment, the latter member is in the position shown by Fig. 12. The cam is so designed that when the line indicated by 110 on the piston registers with the edge 111 of the rotary abutment, the spring (35 becomes operative to tend to rotate the abut- Hence, when the edges 112 and 111 pass each other, the abutment will be snapped into its upper position, the edge 111 traveling along the curved face 113 of the piston. While it is being thus snapped the mixture is fired, and almost instantaneously liberated to act on the piston. The action is so quick that there is no time for leakage of the exploded charge from the combustion chamber.

It should be noted that the ends 114 and 115 of the pump rotor are seated in circular recesses in the heads B and C; and that bosses 116 and 117 are formed in the rotor and extend into the heads around the shaft 67, whereby a practically leak proof structureis elfected. Any of the systems on the market may be used to ignite the charge, and

it is not thought necessary to illustrate one,-

as they are well known.

It will be noted that by forming the rotor D with a pumping means and arranging the compressor within the engine casing that a compact engine is produced. Furthermore, it will be observed that all parts subjected to heat are very efiiciently water aekcted.

Although a specific and at present preferred form of compressor has been described, it is obvious that other types of compressors might be used; also that other means might be employed for circulating the cooling water, and that the member, havingthe combustion chamber therein adapted to be placed in communication with a supply of fuel, then sealed and the charge fired, and the energy thus liberated utilized, might be used in other types of engines and for other purposes.

Haring described the invention what is claimed is:

1. An internal combustion engine comprising a casing formed with an annular chamber, a. piston slidingly fitted in said chamber, a rotary abutment formed with a combustion chamber, and adapted to periodically obstruct the annular chamber, means for placing thecombustion chamber in communication with a supply of explosive mixture and thereafter with the first mentioned chamber, means for firing the explosive mixture while it between the two positions,

and means for scavenging the combustion chamber before a fresh charge of explosive mixture is admitted...

2. A rotary internal combustion engine having a easing formed with an annular chamber, a piston siidingly fitted in the chamber, a rotatably mounted abutment tor the annular chamber formed with a charm her, means for placing the latter chamber in communication with Fa-supply o'li oiosiyo mixture and thereafter in communication withv the annular chamber, means for firing the explosive mixture, ant. means fore to ing fresh gas through the abutment chem her and into theannuier o. crabs"? to scavenge the some 8. A rotary engine comprising a. casing formed with an annular chember, e piston is siidingly fitted in said chamber and rigidiy connected to a shaft, means for actuating the piston end thus rotating the shaft by firing charges of explosive mixture, and a rotary pump arranged radially inside the so annular chamber to compress the explosive mixture, the rotor of the pump mounted on said shaft,

i. A rotary engine comprising a casing formed with an annular chamber, a piston slidingiy fitted in said chamber, a member formed with achamber. therein and port through its Waii, a pump arranged within.

the casing and adapted to compress expid sire mixture and having a discharge passage,

so moons for moving the seid member to place the said port in communication with the dis charge passage of the pump, and thereafter in communication with the cnnniar'chamber,

5 A rotary internal combustion engine comprising a veasing formed With-jacket spaces, a shaft, a revolublemember monnted on the shaft and driven by firing charges of compressed explosive mixture in the easing, said revolublc member formed with 40 pumping; means to oirceiete a cooiing mo din'm through the jacket spaces, and means within the casing driven by said shaft for compressing the mixture.

6, A rotary hydrocarbon engine including in combination, as casing having an annular chamber, a piston siidingly titted in said chamber, a rotary abutment for said chamoer having a portion arranged radially ini side said chamber, said portion formed with acombustion chamber, and means to rotate said abutment to piece the combustion chain- I her in communication with a supply of some bnstible' mixture and thereafter with the first mentioned chamber 7. A rotary hydrocarbon engine including in combination, a casing having an annular chamber, a piston slidingly fitted in saidchamber, a rotary abutment "for said chember having a portion arranged radially inside said chamber, said portion formed With a combustion chamber, and a port therefor in the Wall of the abutment, a supply of combustible mixture Within the casing, an means to rotate said abutment to place the so said port in connnnnication with the said ing in combination,

eeeeeoe supply and thereafter with the first mem tioned 'chsmber. 8, A rotary hydrocarbon engine including 11']. combination, cosine: heving en ermniar cbainber,a piston. slidingly fitted insaid chelnbe a rotary abutment :Eor said charm oer haw cg a portion arranged radially in side said chamber, seid portion formed with e combustion chamber and eigort therefor in the Wall of the abutment, means to rotate 755 said ehutrnent to the port in communication with. a supply of combustible mixture and,thereettter with the first mentioned chamber, the seat tor the notary abutment acting to said port between the two so positions, and means for expioding the mix tnre in the combustion chamber, when the port is thus scaled. 9, A rotary hydrocarbon engine including in combination, a casing having an annnla'r fio chamber, a piston slidingly fitted in said chamber, a rotary abntment for seid cham her having; a iortion arranged radially in side said chem er, said portion formed with a combustion. chan'iberend a port thereto]? so in the Well oi? the abutment, a pump for compressing the mixture arranged radially inside the annular chamber, and moons to' rotate said abutment to placethe port in communication with the outlet oi said pump end thereafter with the mentioned chamber. v

10. A rotary hydrocarbon. engine including incombination, a casing revving an nular' chamber, a pistonslidingly fitted in said chamber, a rotary abutment for said chamber having a portion arranged radiaiiy inside said chamber, said portion formed with a combustion chamber and a port bl'ifitbs for in. the trail of the abutment, a pump Mitt for compressing the mixture arrenged 35th:; dially inside the annular chamber, and means to rotate said. abutment to piece the port in connnnnicaticn with the outlet oi said pump and thereafter With the tit mentioned chamber, the seat for the rotary abutment acting to seai said port between the two positions, and means tor exploding the mixture in the combustion chamber when the port is thus sealed.

11. A. rotary hydrocarbon engine including in combination, a casing having an on nnlar chamber, a piston slidingly fitted-in said chamber, a rotary abutment for said chamber having a'portion arranged radially 12o inside said chamber, said portion formed with a combustion chamber, a reservoir for compressed combustible mixtureradiaiiy inside said annular ohemberyandmeans to rotate said abutment to place the combus- 125 tion chamber in communication with said reservoir and. thereafter with the annular chamber. g r

12. A rotary hydrocarbon eng1neinclnd-' a casing having on an, ice

nular chan'iber, a piston slidingly fitted in said chamber, a rotary abutment tor said, chamber havlng a portion arranged radially inside said chamber, said portion formed' with a combustion chamber, a: reservoir "for compressed combustible mixture radially inside said annular chamber, a pump for compressing the combustible mixture discharging into said reservoir, and means to rotate said abutment to place the combustion Chillber in communication with said. reservoir and, thereafter with the annular chamber.

13.- A rotary hydrocarbon engine includ- 111,9, in combination, a casmp having an annular chamber, a piston slidingly fitted in sald el1amber, a rotary abutment: tor said chamber having a portion arranged radially inside said chamber, said portion formed with a c0n'ilmsti )n chamber, a reservoir for compressed combustible mixture radially inside said annular chamber, a pump arranged radially inside the annular chamber for compressing the combustible mixture dis-- charging into said reservoir, and means to rotate said abutment to place the combustioir chamber in communicalion with said reservoir and thereafter with the annular chamber.

ll. A rotary hydrocarbon engiiiminehnting in c nnbination, a casing having an annular chamber, a piston slidingly titled in said chamber, a rotary abutment for said chamber having a portion arranged radially inside said chamber, said portion l'ormed with a eon'ibustion chamber, and a. port therefor in the wall of the tllillfl lltllt, a pump for eom in'essing the combustible mixture, a discharge reservoir for the pump, said pump and reserro' arranged radially inside said annular chamber, means to rotate said abutment to place the, port in eommunication with the reservoir and thereatter with the annular chamber, the seat for the rotary abutment acting to seal said port between the two positions, and means tor exploding the. mixture in the. e mibusti m chan'iber' when the port 15 thus sealed.

In testmiony wherewt 1 aihx my signature.

THOMAS L. McCASKILL. 

